Chrome Beta channel now available for Android

Good news everyone! The Chrome Beta channel for Android kicks off today with version 25.0.1364.8. Like the Beta channel for the computer, it's a preview of features and fixes that has already passed the development channel and is running through the final testing before it makes its way into the final version. That means it's a great way to try out things that may be broken, but still allow the software to work as a whole. Today's release comes with the following bugs:

166233 - Unable to submit comments on Facebook posts in desktop version of Facebook

165244 - Text handler jumps or disappears when moving

167351 - Youtube video controls are lost after returning from fullscreen video mode

162486 - iframe scrolling broken

Scary, but you get used to it if you run the Beta channel on the desktop. On the plus side, Chrome 25 brings huge improvements in HTML5 support and JavaScript performance, so it's worth it to many.

To get on the Beta track, you'll need to directly click this link, as it's not publicised or available via search in Google Play. It installs along side your current version of Chrome for Android, so you always have a fail-safe. Grab it, and have fun!

I'd like them to give chrome flash like the desktop version so 4.1 + os will be able to have flash for the net in the future. Flash was a big option to have when android started out and a reason a lot of people used android. With new quadcores and bigger processors announced at CES flash will be easy to run now with all the processing power.

There is a way to view history. Type "chrome:history" into the address bar. You could bookmark it for future use. Admittedly most people won't try that. Interestingly it's not listed on the "chrome:about" list of pages.

Firefox has a few features Chrome does not:
1. Firefox Sync syncs passwords.
2. Add-ons/Extensions. Official Google word is no plan to support any time soon.
3. Browser History.
4. Full screen available a few add-ons.
5. Beta is not sluggish. Chrome beta on my Nexus 7 exhibited hesitation when clicking some links.
6. Works on more devices. No ICS minimum requirement.
7. Lower minimum requirements.